My Home Theater Set up – Nuts and Bolts
UPDATE Part 2 is here!!!
My wife and I host a Super Bowl Party every year. Each year the party seems to get bigger and bigger. I get a lot of questions at and after the party regarding my set up. “How do I do this”, type of questions. I thought it would be great to write up a detailed guide on how I set everything up. Let me give you a quick run down of what I have and what I wanted to accomplish. My system as a whole is very cheap, but I get a lot of bang for my buck. Here’s what I got; I have U-Verse, featuring the Total Home DVR system, but I also have a large collection of DVD’s that I have started to backup. I wanted this content on all my TV’s. I have a Projector, a Plasma, and Projection LCD. Ara from the HTGuys podcast chose to make Mac Mini’s the heart of his set up. Xbox 360′s are at the heart of my set up.
Visual Wiring Guide
First off I want to apologize for everything sounding very elementary, I wanted this to be easily understandable to everyone. Let me also say that the wiring diagram does not include surround sound wiring, nor does it include the wiring for my U-Verse setup. However, the surround sound wiring is pretty straight forward, I just ran the wires through the walls and out through the celling. The U-Verse part simply used my existing cable wiring and phone lines to connect the U-Verse system. All of the cables and wires were purchased from monoprice.com. If you are buying cables anywhere else, STOP. I opted for a wired connection to most of my devices I stream to. All of the ethernet wires are run through the wall, so there is no mess.
Media Room
As you can see in my wiring guide, I have a Dell 2400MP projector and an 80″ homemade screen. The screen itself is MDF with several coats of primer and paint. The surrounding frame is painted flat black and wrapped in felt. The screen is very smooth and I get great results. I am about to add some ScreenGoo
to give me even more contrast. I have a 360, a PS3, and U-Verse box all using component and optical cables. These cables run into a switcher which allows me to easily have multiple devices on one input. The Harmony 520 remote makes it easy to press one button and have everything turn on. These remotes are cheap, easy to use, and I have one in every room. The optical out from the switch connects to my surround sound system. I can stream Netflix movies, and access content on my computer, all through the Xbox 360. Not to mention playing Gears of War 2 on an 80″ screen is not too shabby either. I can also access most of the same content on the PS3, but I primarily use it as a Blu-Ray player.
Living Room
There is not as many wires running through the walls in this room. I got a 52″ Panasonic Projection LCD couple of years ago, and it only has 1 HDMI input. I have an HDMI switch that takes care of the multiple inputs for me and handles all the switching. This is the most complicated part about this system as I have my U-Verse DVR and Sony Blu-Ray player both running into the the switch. 
The optical runs out of the TV and connects to my surround sound system. If I want to stream from my computer, I just hook up the MacBook to HDMI switch and fire up Boxee. Boxee is a great media center program that also gives me access to my content as well as other great content available on the internet (I’ll talk more about it in Part 2). Again, this is all controlled with 1 Harmony Remote. This room is my only room that is wireless. I was worried about the streaming ability of the wireless connection, but to my surprise it works just as good though.
Bed Room
This room has the least going on. I have an awesome wife that bought me a second 360 for valentines day. This 360 is primarily used for streaming my content, and streaming Netflix movies. This is a great way to add media center like functionality with very little cost. This 360 is the arcade unit, and it also has HDMI built right in. If I want to play games I just pop my 360 hard-drive from my other 360 in, and start playing. The 360 and my U-Verse receiver are running into another HDMI switcher. It is all being controlled by a Harmony Remote.
Baby’s Room
This room is my project room. I have got and old Dell lying around, so I loaded Ubuntu on it (Windows is outlawed) and loaded up Boxee. I also have a PowerMac G4 that I’m not using. I might end up swapping the Dell with the Mac. I have a 19″ monitor hanging on the wall. We will use this as a TV for that room. Again this is my project room, so things will probably change several more times before the baby comes, but I enjoy figuring out solutions.
The Office
The office is the central hub for this little setup. The content on my network is being shared from my MacPro. Again, the direct connection to the AirPort Extreme makes it easy for me to share 1080P videos over the network with ease. I wanted to have all the devices that I don’t need to see, well outta sight. So all of the network devices are in the closet. I have room in the closet, so I can continue to add pieces to the mix and have space for them.
What I want to add next
Of course one of the first things I want to upgrade is my surround sound systems. I am partial to Onkyo, and I want a 7 speaker surround sound system with multiple HDMI inputs. Next I want to pick up a sound bar system for my bedroom. I really don’t want to deal with surround sound speakers and wires in the bedroom, so a sound-bar is really tempting. One of the next big items I am going to add to the house is speakers in every room of the house. This would be great to play my iTunes library over the entire house. My plan is to place the main receiver in the office closet, but I still haven’t figured out exactly what I need and how much control I need in each room. If anyone wants to weigh in, feel free. The baby’s room is going to eventually contain a webcam that is always running. That way we can easily video monitor the baby through our computers. I might end up adding a MacMini to that room to make it easier for a much cleaner solution. However I still haven’t decided between using a webcam/iChat, or an IP network camera solution.
Conclusion
Using 360′s are great ways to extend media center functionality on your network without costing an arm and a leg. If you shop right and do all the wiring yourself, then you can have a system like mine for a small price too. For example I only paid around 2400 for everything in my media room.
Part 2 is coming soon here. In part 2 I will discuss the software I use for video sharing, conversion, torrenting, and network configurations. Questions? Add a comment below or send me an email.
The post looks good. I haven’t been able to read it yet due to work, but I’m very excited to check it out. I know it’s quality.
Thanks V! I know your waiting for Part 2. More of the geeky stuff.
Sweet setup. I am doing something very similar in my house. I have 3 xbox 360s acting as the centerpieces of my media centers. Good job and very nice illustration on your network!
Nice, 3×360′s! That’s awesome. Thanks, and I’de love to see pics of your set up as well!
Awesome setup! Now tell everyone how you crafted that sweet diagram!
Thanks, and that sounds like a great idea for a blog post. Hrmmm…
“Part 2, Part 2!…”
Coming soon. I started writing it and it keeps growing in size. Might have to release several parts.
[...] this content freely through my house with no fuss. If you didn’t check out my post on the nuts and bolts of my system, check that out first. That post explains the wiring and how everything is connected. This post [...]
Excellent post. I have a very similar setup. For speakers in every room the AirPort Express is the answer. Especially if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch.
I am working on an outdoor setup that involves some AirPort Express’s. The iPhone remote app really makes controlling your music easy. Since you use Airport Express check out Airfoil. It will blow your mind.
Jason,
question on your setup diagram you have u-verse plug into the Airport Extreme which only has four port (1) wan and (3) ethernet… you show five items plug into the airport extreme… Does you Mac pro have dual ethernet ports… If so then I under stand the diagram now…
By the way I like your template anyway you can email me a copy
Hey Rob,
I actually have another gigabit hub in the closet that I left off the diagram. That is what I use for that second wired computer. Sorry for the confusion. Here is the direct link to the large version of the image http://jasoncypret.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/hometheater.jpg.
Cheers!
hi
It’s very good designs for all site.
Jason,
Can you tell me what software you use to create your video diagram… If you could can you email me a version of it that can be modified? I like your setup icons and I have all most the same setup If not I understand.
rob
I created it in Fireworks. If you have it I can send you the original file.
Jason,
Just picked up a MB Pro and I’m looking to get it set up for Boxee, etc. One item I read in other areas is that to push audio from the MBP over to the HDTV you need the separate audio. I noticed you didn’t mention it though in your setup by just going direct to the HDMI switch. Do you get audio in some other fashion?
Thanks,
Sean
Hey Sean,
Yeah I forgot to mention that. I use a separate cable for the audio. I pump it directly into my receiver. Works pretty good. One thing I would suggest is to go for a wired solution if you can instead of HD. It can be sluggish on 1080p content at times.
Cheers!
Hey I would love a editable copy of your fireworks wiring diagram. Thanks for your time. Brian
Get it while its hot. It wont stay up forever. ;) http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/1539380/HomeTheater.png
Awesome setup! Now tell everyone how you crafted that sweet diagram!
I would try Tversity its alot better. I have used both and boxee has some bugs.
Thanks for the file, One last question. What fonts did you use? My system does not have them….
Birth of a Hero & Barts Hand
Very nice set up! Just like to know if you know that you can stream Bluray’s on the 360. I have 4 samsung LED LCD’s (1)40 (3)50′s and 4 xbox 360 and my fav is my media sever. Witch is a tower that has four 1tb hd I have over 5,000 movies but only about 1,000 Bluray. And all you need is one bad ass program called Tversity this will stream almost any media file you have on your pc. No lag NO jumping our skipping. Any ? email me at nillyboble@gmail.com then I can tell you where to get the bluray’s at for free. Thats if you don’t know already wink wink. Have a good one.
Billy
Nice setup! We are however an all Mac household so Tversity wouldn’t work me us. I use Conect360 to steam to to my 360′s and MediaLink to stream to my PS3. Check out my explination here: http://jasoncypret.com/811
Both programs work excellent and I am able to stream Blu-Ray quality content to them easily. I assume your referring to BitTorrent for Blu-Rays. Yes I am fully aware of the process :). Thanks for the comments!
very good design
Thanks!!!
Great stuff. It seems like a never ending quest for me to find the best (for me) solution for getting my content distributed throughout the house. I’m using XBMC on my AppleTV to stream content from a Ubuntu file server. That machine also hosts Twonky to serve the 360. I’m thinking of losing Twonky and the file server altogether and just hanging the hard drive with all the content off the Airport Extreme and pointing XBMC to that… I’m thinking I don’t need the streaming of the 360 if I can get the same thing (without those noisy fans) from the AppleTV.
Still some experimenting to go for me, but this was a nice write-up for stirring up the ideas. Thanks for the great post!
I’m doing a video post this week about some other streaming solutions I’ve found. I’m still using my 360 and now my PS3 but can’t wait until the Boxee Box and PopBox are released.
This is probably a silly question but I’m still somewhat of a A/V noob but how did you consolidate your dvd’s? I have a collection that I would like to get on a hard drive some how and have access to in several rooms. Any idea’s? Mac user as well.
Thank you
There are lots of programs out there that make it super easy to rip your DVD’s to a computer. I like handbreak, because Its free and easy to use. I personally use Ripit and MacTheRipper the most. Ripit It works on every DVD I’ve ever thrown at it. It also keeps the quality of the original disk. If I’m looking for a smaller size I’ll use handbreak.
Once its on a computer its pretty easy to share it with other devices. If you have a 360, PS3, or AppleTV you can set it up in minutes. I’m waiting for the BoxeeBox to come out then I’m replacing my 360 streaming setup.
Hope that helps!
it so cool. I would like to know how u made it ?
every week I Follow your website
and share your page
thank you
I will share it on face book.
thanks ,
excellent
I am trying to wirelessly connect my laptop to my tv using my xbox. I am connected with xbox live, but can’t figure out how to make this work if possible. Thanks in advance. I am running Windows XP
Thanks for the file.
Hi Jason,
Awesome chart and set up! I have a couple questions if you don’t mind answering for a n00b like myself.
1. Do you have a HTPC or do you stream from your backup? I couldn’t figure out where you stream from.
2. For your CAT6 connections, do you have two ports in your wall outlets, one for phone and the other for data or are they all coming out of one jack?
3. What is the brand of your receiver and speakers? Is it a HTIB (home theater in a box) or are the speakers and receiver separate components?
4. Will you be adding a Boxee Box?
5. I’m just starting to plan on getting the whole house set up like yours, but unsure where to start first; Home Audio? Media Server? XBox? HTPC?
6. My house came pre-wired for CAT6, but the main line comes into a RJ45 Patch Panel (RJ45 and Coax) in the hall closet and is split to the other rooms in the house; Would I have to put a GB switch in there with the cable modem?
Hey Sam
1 – Everything originates from my Mac Pro. I now am really only using that Mac for a server
2 – I moved since I did this mock. My new house is wired in every room with Cat 6. I dont have a home phone, so I didn’t need wall jacks. In my old house I had to run Cat6 through the walls myself. I just made new wall plates for the cat6 cables and didn’t use any existing phone lines.
3 – Yes they were Home Theater in a box which worked fine at the time. Now I have a Yamaha 7.1 receiver in my media room and running klipsch reference speakers throughout. The family room unit now is a Yamaha 5.1 and I’m just running klipsch reference for the front speakers and in ceiling MonoPrice speakers for the rear surrounds. Sounds pretty good for the price.
4 – Yes I plan on getting a couple to replace my xbox setup. I find myself ripping DVD’s to MKV format for low file size and high quality. The xbox doesn’t handle these files well. Plus the Boxee Box is more user friendly for the family! I have my eye on GoogleTV as well. I just want to see how it handles videos on the local network.
5 – Start with the basics then get more complicated. Start with one room. Add a nice media box (boxee box) and run the wires if you like. Then move on to speakers better server ect.
6 – Dude I have the same thing. Right now I’m doing it pretty ghetto.I just have my airport extreme in the box. Works fine, just looks sloppy. I did this so I could set every device on the network to a specific IP as well as easy printing, ect.
Thanks for the info! Quick follow-up questions if you don’t mind answering?
1. I assume you have a patch panel in the closet box for the RJ45 connections to each room; do you have a gigabit switch in between your AirPort Extreme and patch panel? So…
Internet > Modem > AirPort Extreme > Gigabit switch > RJ45 Panel…
2. Whats your opinion on this; I have an old wireless router with four ports that I’d like to still use. I noticed I have two RJ45 jacks behind my TV. Should I plug, say an XBox or Boxee Box, into the router in the first jack or get another gigabit switch and plug the “boxes” into the switch and the router into the second RJ45? Or just plug everything, router and “boxes” into the switch?
Hooking up a gigabit switch to the panel is not going to be fun. I hate having the box in the hall closet, its such an out of the way space. Guess I’ll be getting a gigabit switches for a future media case for a HTPC, Backup, and any other toys :)
Well for my current solution I just have: direct internet feed > AirPort Extreme > connecting each room. Now I’m out of ports on the back of the AE so I will probably add a gigabit switch that can be mounted and take care of that problem. That aside I have Gigabit switches at every TV incase I need to connect something. Take a look at this graphic, I hope it helps.
Mind posting that editable fireworks file hometheater.png again? I seem to have lost it. Thanks alot.
Hey, can you make a guide on how to make a screen like your 80″ one in the media room?
I’d very much appreciate it!
ty
Hi Jason
You are my HERO!!! I hope to one day have a similar home entertainment setup as you have illustrated above. The only problem is that am very new at all this. If you don`t mind I would appreciate it if you could give me some advice on what I need to do or buy in order for my system to work.
I have a 42 inch LG TV with two HDMI slots, a PS3, Xbox 360 and normal Phillips 5.1 DVD player. I currently have my Xbox and my DVD player connected to my TV via HDMI and the PS3 is connected via its component cables. ( for some reason when I connect my PS3 via HDMI I just get a couple of lines on my screen or nothing at all. I had my cables checked and my PS# repaired but it still does it, so I think it is the TV but I’m not sure because both my Xbox and normal DVD player work perfectly when connected via HDMI. )
Anyway, I bought a 5.1 sound system to use for sound but the problem here is that I can’t hook everything up together. I have to keep on switching the cables from my DVD player and PS3 if I want to hear sound when using them. My Xbox plays normally through the TV speakers.
I want to find a solution to my problem. I would like to connect everything to my TV via HDMI and to my Sound system without changing the cables on the amp. Could you please give me some advice on how could achieve this. Should I buy a new TV or sound system? I would also like to watch normal TV channels and play the sound through my sound system.
Any information or advice will be highly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your time and assistance.
Take care and have a great day.
P.S. Your Website ROCKS!!!
I love it.. I want to know what flow chart software you used! Best flow diagram I’ve ever seen
Hi Jason.
Which software you used to create visual diagram guide. Pl advice.
Thanks
Can you provide png file . I need to edit something for me
I'm going to setup an hd projection screen in my room which is roughly 20ftx50ft it's an outside mancave type deck with bar lol but I wanted to know if you had any cool ideas about where to place my consoles when gaming out? I don't want them right under the screen but maybe in somethign hidden from view. Any help would be greatly appreciated and I have a little bit of money to spend on it. thanks